Senator Toni Atkins
@SenToniAtkins
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Account of the CA Senate President pro Tem Emeritus, representing SD 39: San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar & Solana Beach. Comment policy: https://t.co/TICPMDiaNW
Joined December 2016
I grew up in substandard rentals, because my parents could never afford a home of their own—despite working themselves to the bone their whole lives. Too many share that story. By allowing for a variety of housing options, #SB9 would help CA families build new futures.
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If Trump is dissatisfied with the abortion services CA provides, we will happily reimburse him for any & all abortions he has paid for in CA, immediately upon receipt of legal documents freeing the potential women involved from any NDAs they may have been compelled to enter into.
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Dr. Seuss wrote, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” Without a doubt, San Diego has long known the value of Audrey Geisel. Godspeed.
Audrey Geisel, 97, protected her late husband's creative works and continued his charitable giving for almost 30 years.
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We have been preparing for this, because leaving women without options is not an option. If #SCOTUS won’t protect our bodily autonomy, California will make sure our constitution leaves no room for confusion. Abortion rights WILL be protected here.
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I'm floored by Asm. @BuffyWicks' support of #SB1120 and her dedication to the people's work. Last night, she showed the immense strength of moms. I hope this sparks a meaningful dialogue about America's need for better family leave policies and deep need for affordable housing.
California Assemblymember @buffywicks was told that having recently given birth wasn’t sufficient excuse to cast a vote remotely. So she brought her newborn daughter to the floor to weigh in on an important housing bill. 💪.
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#BlackHistoryMonth wouldn’t be complete without celebrating @VP @KamalaHarris, who has been a trailblazer for representation of Black women at the highest levels of our nation’s government. I’m honored to know her and have her partnership on issues that matter to Californians.
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If CA is ever to see an end to massive wildfires, smoke-filled skies, and choking air pollution, we must redouble our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. I commend the @CAGovernor for his bold vision to reduce pollution from tailpipes and to transition CA to a cleaner future.
CA is taking action to drastically reduce demand for fossil fuel. Governor @GavinNewsom signed an executive order that directs the state to require all new cars & passenger trucks sold in CA be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. #CAClimateAction
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Congratulations to my friend & fellow San Diegan, @AsmShirleyWeber, on her historic appointment as California’s Secretary of State. I know Sec. Weber will fight to protect our vital right to vote and help ensure the workings of state government are visible and accessible to all.
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Happy birthday and happy anniversary, Jen! I am amazed that it has already been 13 years since our wedding day. Here’s to many more years filled with many more moments of celebration! 🥂
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#TBT to my meeting with our 1st Black @VP, my friend, @KamalaHarris. I'll never forget the surreal feeling of being in the West Wing with her. It was an inspiring visit and a reminder that we must keep working toward a nation that creates opportunities for all. #BlackHistoryMonth
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I'm thrilled that @CAgovernor has signed #SB9! This bill has long been one of my priorities, and after years of collaboration with my colleagues and community partners, it's great to see it become law. Now more families can pursue their version of the California Dream. #CALeg
Thank you to my colleagues for passing #SB9! The California HOME Act would open the doors of opportunity for working families, expanding rental & homeownership options, and providing more access to the schools, parks, and resources that our neighborhoods have to offer. #CALeg
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Thank you, @JerryBrownGov, for signing #SB179! Everyone should be able to have IDs that match who they are. Great day for LGBTQ rights!🏳️🌈
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When I came out in 1982, I had no idea I would one day become CA’s 1st lesbian Speaker and 1st openly LGBTQ pro Tem. Coming out was just the beginning. Wherever you are in your journey, know that a beautiful and diverse community is ready to welcome you. #NationalComingOutDay
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I’m proud to join my Senate colleagues, the Assembly, and the @CAGovernor to announce the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act, which will provide stability and relief for Californians as we continue to address the uncertainty surrounding the public health crisis.
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Thanks to the progress we've all made together, California is planning to fully reopen our economy on June 15th, as long as vaccine supply & hospitalizations remain stable. Continuing to follow public safety guidelines is essential, incl. wearing 😷 & washing hands thoroughly.
We've made incredible progress controlling the spread of #COVID19. 20M vaccinations. The lowest positivity rate in the U.S. Stable hospitalizations. CA is now looking forward—with vaccinations & mandated masking, we’re setting our eyes on June 15th to fully reopen our economy.
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Our local activist, hero, and friend getting much deserved national recognition from @JakeTapper for his remarkable life. We miss him greatly in San Diego.
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Christopher Columbus is deeply polarizing given the deadly impact his arrival in this hemisphere had on indigenous populations. The continued presence of the statue in California’s Capitol, where it has been since 1883, is completely out of place today. It will be removed.
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I continue to stand with the @SFSisters, who do incredibly impactful work for the the #LGBTQ+ community. I look forward to welcoming @SisterRoma to the Capitol as one of the @CALGBT Caucus #PrideMonth honorees.
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Rest assured, one way or another, California will not tax the federal student debt relief.
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Serving the people of CA as the leader of the Senate is an immense honor. @CASenateDems have selected Sen. McGuire as Pro Tem Designee – he’s been a key member of my leadership team, and I look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth transition next year. Full statement ↓
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Con-drag-ulations to San Diego native @RuPaul on his induction into the @TheCAMuseum #CAHallofFame! Thank you for bringing beautiful realness to us with each sashay, each performance, and each trailblazing step.
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Welcome to #SanDiego, @SecretaryPete! Thank you for joining @RepMikeLevin, @SANDAG, @GoNCTD, & me to discuss the LOSSAN rail corridor—the 2nd busiest rail route in the US—and the relocation project in our county. This is one of many key transportation investments CA is making.
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My district intern @siennadimuro got into @EmersonCollege! Watch the moment she finds out - I love this!!! So proud of her!
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Why do I have hope for housing production in 2021? Because of the die-hard advocates, the leaders like @AsmRobertRivas who worked right up until the bills died, & the incomparable @BuffyWicks (and Elly) who cast her vote to help other moms give their family a home. They are why.
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Look who I ran into at the airport!! Thank you, Jeff Goldblum, for your advocacy on protecting our environment! 🌎
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I appreciate the LA Times Editorial Board’s thoughtful endorsement of #SB9. This bill would not solve our housing crisis overnight—it’s not meant to. It’s meant to be one measured, critical step forward that will create more housing and more opportunity for all Californians.
Editorial: To save California, sacrifice single-family zoning
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Five years ago today, love won. 🏳️🌈. When #SCOTUS ruled that #marriageequality was legal, tears fell and celebrations erupted. After decades of fighting, LGBTQ people were finally granted the fundamental right to share a full, protected, respected life with the person they love.
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#SB9 is about opening the door for more families to pursue their version of the California Dream—whether that's building a home for an elderly parent, creating a new source of income, or buying that first house. It's about opportunity. Thank you to the Assembly for passing it.
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Sen. @ShannonGroveCA and I may be on different sides of the political aisle, but we will always agree on two things – our #TwinDay outfits and @DollyParton!
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Today, the Senate recognized #TransDayofVisibility. States across the nation continue to introduce anti-trans bills that are hateful, demeaning, and vile. In California, we celebrate and uplift our trans siblings. #TransPeopleBelong
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The Assembly, Senate, and @CAGovernor are working closely to ensure the safety of all who work in or visit the Capitol. We are in constant communication with the CHP, Senate and Assembly Sergeants, and local law enforcement to keep the people’s house safe.
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In California, we not only protect and support trans youth, we stand with them and their families in Texas, and beyond. You have a right to be YOU. #ProtectTransKids
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This evictions moratorium extension and plan to distribute federal funds will help keep Californians in their homes and help them stay afloat as we tackle COVID. This is a much-needed step forward, and the strongest tenant support in the nation, but our work is far from finished.
California’s families need protections NOW from eviction. Today we’re announcing an agreement to extend eviction moratorium through 6/30. We’re ensuring that up to $2.6 billion in renter aid is administered quickly & equitably. #CaliforniaForAll
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What an honor to be sworn in to office by our great Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, and to sign the oath, with my spouse Jennifer by my side.
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Nearly a year in, millions of Californians continue to feel the impact of the pandemic on their wallets and bottom lines. People are hungry and hurting. Businesses our communities have loved for decades are at risk. This action will provide needed relief.
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My statement on the transition of leadership in the California Senate.
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Our hearts are heavy & broken today with the loss of our beloved Team Toni colleague – Deanna Spehn. Deanna was an incredible civic leader in her own right for decades in SD. She was unique in her stewardship for our region & CA. Words can't express our profound loss at present.
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Objectively, California has the biggest, greatest, coolest and most effective LGBT caucus, in the country, yes. but also the world!!
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CA’s resiliency shined bright tonight. @CAGovernor reminded us of all we’ve done to help Californians through this pandemic—supporting schools, protecting renters, providing support for small businesses & families. Still, the biggest message of the night is: we’re not done, yet.
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Up early and out on the 2020 point-in-time count with my survey partner, @CAGovernor @GavinNewsom. Walking San Diego’s streets before sunrise is a stark reminder of the dark, cold conditions people without homes endure. #WeAllCount
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Turns out the information we received on my being the first Senate President pro Tem to sign a bill was incorrect. Sen. Jim Mills did so in the 1970s. That makes two for San Diego! Still proud to be the first female and first openly LGBTQ+ PT to sign bills as Acting Gov.
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California is leading the way! Appreciate the @WhiteHouse acknowledging my bill, #SB9, as a welcome development that would increase housing supply across our state, helping make the dream of homeownership possible for more Californians.
The White House gave big props to Oakland and Berkeley's anti-exclusionary zoning proposals and California's SB 9 in their bulletin today on making housing affordable, combating speculators, and the racial housing gap!.
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I commend @DrPanMD for his tireless work in advancing public health protections in California, and thank @CAgovernor @GavinNewsom for his signature of SB 276. (1/2).
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Our entire office and Capitol community mourn the passing of Mike Hardeman, my Chief of Staff, Nick’s, incredible father. Mike was a tireless advocate for labor and a dedicated civic servant. His generosity, hard work, and love of people touched countless lives.
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I applaud @CAGovernor @GavinNewsom on signing #AB48, which places a $15 Billion bond on the March 2020 ballot to fund new classrooms, labs, and libraries for California’s K-12 public schools and universities. Thank you Sen. @Steve_Glazer & @SenatorLeyva for your leadership!.
WATCH LIVE: @GavinNewsom joins students, teachers, public health and public safety leaders to sign #AB48 by @AsmPatODonnell and @Steve_Glazer at a public school in Sacramento today. 🎒📚✏️#CaliforniaForAll. 📽️:
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CA was in the throes of a housing crisis long before #COVID19, but it has intensified the need for affordability, access, and opportunity. The 'Building Opportunities for All" Senate Housing Package creates a unified approach to tackling this crisis.
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Thank you, @kdeleon. Thank you for your strong leadership and your many achievements for the people of CA. And thank you to all who have wished me well today. Your encouragement means so much.
It's my honor to announce that my friend @toniatkins will make history and be our Senate's next President pro Tempore. I have every confidence she will lead America's most accomplished legislative chamber to even greater heights and build on our extraordinary progress. #CAleg
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.@CAgovernor has signed into law urgent #COVID19 relief. These bills help Californians pay their bills, and provide bread-and-butter relief to the small businesses that make our communities great. This is what we can do right now to help, but it isn’t the end of our efforts.
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Honored to continue to serve the Senate as President pro Tempore. The people of California have spoken. They sent us here to make sure their voices are heard at the highest levels of government – and to write the next new, bold chapter of this state’s history.
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A huge congratulations to @MayorToddGloria! This historic moment is a victory for every person who has been marginalized and for every child who has yearned to see themselves in our leadership. This is a victory for our fine city. I’m thrilled for my friend and for San Diego.
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I was pleased to swear in our newest Senator, @SydneyKamlager! Sen. Kamlager is a dedicated public servant who has long fought for criminal justice reform, civil rights, women’s rights, and the planet. I look forward to the addition of her passionate voice on the Senate floor.
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Eight years ago, the #SCOTUS ruled in favor of #MarriageEquality, but the past year has shown us that we must fight to keep this fundamental right. I stand with my #CALeg colleagues in the fight to protect #LGBTQRights. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
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Today marks five years since I was sworn in as Pro Tem! It’s an honor to hold this position & work on issues from housing & homelessness, to #ReproductiveRights & a responsible #CABudget. I’m amazed by the progress we’ve made & I look forward to continuing the people’s work!
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To help ensure conversations around #SB50’s goals continue, I asked the Senate Rules Cmte to pull it back from the Appropriations Cmte. While many still have concerns, our affordable housing crisis demands we make every attempt to reach agreement on potential solutions.
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Today’s school agreement provides solutions to reopen schools safely, get kids back in classrooms, and prioritize vaccines for teachers. Schools are vital to our communities and families – this is a major step forward toward reopening their doors.
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Happy birthday, @Scott_Wiener! Can you please stop chipping away at the pillars of western civilization now? 🤣🤪🧁
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#DearMeTenYearsAgo: Take a deep breath. You’re headed for the #California State Capitol to fight for:. 📌 Affordable housing.📌 #LGBTQ rights.📌 Women's advocacy.📌 Affordable health care.📌 Access to education.📌 The environment. and you’re going to love every minute of it!.
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The #LGBTQ community spent decades fighting for #MarriageEquality. Six years ago today, we grasped each other's hands & let tears of jubilation flow as we finally won. #SCOTUS' ruling affirmed that regardless of who we love, we all have the full & equal right to marriage. #Pride
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I invite you to watch in just a few moments as I have the honor of being sworn in as the next Senate President pro Tempore. You can view it here.
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Our Capitol is lit up in purple and gold to celebrate 100 years since the 19th Amendment was ratified in California. A beautiful tribute! #WomensVote100 #19thAmendment
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I'm humbled to fill the role of #ActingGovernor today. I am ready to serve the people of CA and help the @CAGovernor however is needed. No matter my title, I believe it’s important to highlight the best of San Diego. As such, I will be making a couple of announcements.
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Happy birthday 🎂 and happy anniversary, Jen! 15 incredible years of marriage and many more to come! 🥂
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It’s with great pleasure that I congratulate Bernadette McNulty, Chief Assistant Secretary of the Senate, on receiving the @NCSLorg’s Legislative Staff Achievement Award! Her knowledge of legislative rules and function is unparalleled. We are fortunate to have her service.
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Growing up in VA, I never could have dreamed that one day I would stand as one of 6 #LGBTQ+ CA Senators. We’ve come so far, & I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue fighting alongside my colleagues for inclusion, acceptance, and safety for all members of LGBTQ+ community.
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Grateful to @JerryBrownGov for signing #SB54! It is sensible and compassionate. Will keep families together and make our communities safer.
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Couldn’t resist having some #AprilFools fun and honoring one of my favorite entertainers and philanthropists @DollyParton. To all the people who said they didn’t notice a difference — thank you! . but your bills are still going to have to rise or fall on their merits 🤪🤣
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As my Chief of Staff for nearly a decade, Nick Hardeman has been a dedicated leader for the entire #CASenate. Our achievements over the past several years would not have been possible without his wealth of knowledge, steady leadership, and ability to bring people together.
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As rain falls across CA and the cloud of #COVID19 weighs heavily on us, I am grateful to have worked with Gov. Jerry Brown to build California’s strong rainy day fund. His fiscally responsible leadership is proving it’s worth now more than ever. Happy birthday, @JerryBrownGov!
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Thank you, @kdeleon, for the special escort into the Senate Chamber today. Honored to walk beside you and in your footsteps.
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Last night, the Capitol was lit in rainbow colors, signifying the #CALeg’s continued dedication to uplifting & protecting the #LGBTQ+ community. I’m thrilled to be one of a record number of @CALGBT legislators who fight to protect #LGBTQrights each & every day. #PrideMonth 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
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Growing up, I didn’t think I could be openly lesbian & an elected official. On #LesbianVisibilityDay, I’m grateful for the lesbian leaders who opened doors for me, & thrilled to be serving alongside @SenSusanEggman & @SenatorMenjivar–fellow women Senators of the @CALGBT Caucus!
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I am happy and humbled to serve the people of CA today as #ActingGovernor—a role I have filled twice before! They say third time is the charm, and I'm really hoping to use that charm to flatter Joey when he realizes Mia fearlessly claimed the Acting #FirstDog title from him.🤞🏼
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Wishing a very happy birthday to my friend, Sen. @HollyJMitchell. Adore, admire, appreciate… there are not enough adjectives to describe how I feel about my amazing colleague! 🥳🎊
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Congratulations to Gov. @GavinNewsom on surviving his very first budget! Thank you Speaker @Rendon63rd for your continued partnership, and to Sen. @HollyJMitchell and the budget committee for working on this day and night! . I am extremely proud of this final product. #CABudget
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I was honored to speak in memory of Nancy McFadden today. She was an unstoppable force behind a long list of major achievements for CA. Defined by integrity, grace & hard work, Nancy was a devoted friend, a mentor, a role model. She leaves an incredible legacy & I will miss her.
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I am honored to serve on @CAGovernor @GavinNewsom’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery. As the task force focuses on efforts to establish an equitable economic recovery for Californians, I will work on ensuring that our focus on jobs includes middle class jobs.
Governor @GavinNewsom announced the formation of a state Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery that brings together leaders from across CA’s diverse, innovative economic and social sectors to chart a path forward on recovery in the wake of #COVID19.
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The #LGBTQ+ community fought for decades for #MarriageEquality, and 7 years ago, the Obergefell decision finally affirmed that right–a right we have to fight to keep, now more than ever. All people deserve to marry the person they love and live a full, protected life together.
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It seems time moves fast when I’m doing what I love. Today marks my third year as Senate President pro Tempore, and I am grateful for the continued opportunity to help Californians and serve the state I call home.
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Sending birthday wishes to fellow animal lover (minus the rooster 😉) @CAgovernor @GavinNewsom! Your strong leadership and commitment to the people of CA shined this year and helped get us through the worst of the pandemic. I hope you have a chance to relax & celebrate today! 🎂
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I have fully supported Senator @DrPanMD's decisions on how to move forward on SB 276. SB 276 has been vigorously vetted and negotiated for months and deserves to be enacted on its merits in the form that was agreed to. (1/3)
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Let's never allow history to repeat itself. I mourn with my colleagues from the Armenian Caucus and the rest of the world today. #ArmenianGenocide
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Jen, Joey, Mia, and I are wishing you a Happy Howl-oween! 👻🎃🧙♀️ I hope you have a fab-boo-lous day filled with #halloween fun!
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I am so grateful to @JerryBrownGov for taking the time to stop by the @CaWomensCaucus breakfast this morning to deliver his best wishes. I look forward to a productive year working with you, Governor!
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Simply stunning. Seeing the California State Capitol lit in the colors of the suffrage movement is a visual reminder of the dedication and sacrifices so many made to secure our right to vote. We cannot let their work be in vain – register and VOTE! #19thAmendment
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On a dark day, California is a beacon of hope. Our fight for #AbortionRights and #ReproductiveJustice continues.
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This is great news! Vaccines and indoor masking is working and is helping keep our schools and economy open. I encourage all who are 12+ to consider getting the #COVIDVaccine. Talk to a health care provider or visit to learn more.
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For the 45th anniversary of the #EndangeredSpeciesAct I encourage everyone to take time in recognizing the efforts taken to protect our environment and the animals who live in them #PreserveCA
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In light of the #DobbsVJackson decision, the need to explicitly protect access to #abortion and contraception is stronger than ever. I thank my @AssemblyDems colleagues for passing #SCA10 today and enabling the voters to enshrine #reproductiverights in our state constitution.
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Thank you! Today is a great day for so many tenacious people who have fought so hard for so many years!
.@SenToniAtkins has been breaking down barriers all her life and now she has become the first woman and first lesbian to be the president pro tempore of the California Senate! We are proud of you, Leader Atkins!
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I am proud to introduce the Healthy California Act with my friend @senricardolara. The time is now for health care for all. #SB562
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It was my pleasure to join my colleagues today in paying tribute to our great leader, @kdeleon. A tie that binds us is our desire to honor our mothers through public policy that makes life easier for others. He has helped a great many Californians, and I am grateful for his work.
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